Inhaler



Patented Feb. 15, 1921.

UM-TED STATES THOMAS B. ALDRICH, 0F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

INHALER.

Application filed October 18, 1920. Serial No. 417,620.

The invention relates to inhalers designed for use in the treatment of the nose and throat and consists in the novel construction in passing over the same and thereforewith a granular or powder body there is no uni formity of action. Various medicinal substances are manufactured in tablet form for convenience in shipment and in use, but as far as I am aware, such tablets have never been employed in inhalers. I have discovered that by constructing an inhaler so as to receive tablets of the volatile material, the amount of surface exposure can be definitely controlled, with the result that the vapor charging of the air will be uniform. Furthermore, the construction is one which facilitates the original charging of the inhaler with the medicinal substances, as well as the renewal of the same whenever necessary.

As shown, of tubular form and preferably-formed of glass. B is a nose or mouth piece formed at one end of the container,which as shown is of a flattened bulbular form connecting with the container A by a contracted neck portion 0 and provided with an aperture D at its outer end. I The opposite end of the container A is preferably opened for its full diameter, being provided with a bead E for the attachment thereto of a cap F, preferably of rubber This cap has a restricted aperture G in the end thereof, permitting the ingress of air, but too small'for the escape of the tablets H. The latter are preferably of a size to form a single pile within the tubular container, but with sufficient clearance peripherally for the passage of the air. The tablets may be of any form,

but preferably are of the usual oval form,

' which permits the air to pass between as well A is a container, preferably as around the same, forming in effect a series v of baffles.

In use the'inhaler is charged with tablets of any desired medicinal material, the number of tablets determining the amount of sur- I face exposure. Thus with highly volatile materials a number of tablets would be preferable than with less volatile substances.

Also, if it is desired to strongly charge the air with vapor, a greater number of tablets may be used than Where a weaker charge is desired. Thus any desired effect may be readily obtained.

.When the air is drawn through the inhaler I by suction on the nose or mouth piece, it will impinge upon successive tablets, finally passing through the neck C and aperture D. Whenever necessary, tablets may berenewed or if desired, the same container may be used with tablets of different materials.

To suitably mark or label the inhaler, the

label is placed inside of the cylindrical tube A and is attached to the walls thereof. The dimensions are, however, such that a transparent slot is left between the adjacent ends through which the tablets are visible. 1 Thus, while the greater part of the cylindrical surface is covered, the number and condition of the tablets can be ascertained by viewing the same through the transparent slot.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. An inhaler comprising a glass tube for receiving a series of tablets having an open end, a contracted portion and a suction piece beyond said contracted portion, and acap 2. An inhaler comprising a glass tube adapted to receive therewithin a series of tablets arranged in a pile, said tube being open at one end and having a contracted neck portion and a suction piece attached. to said neck, a label arranged within said tube extending. around the same to leave a space between its ends through which the tablets are visible, and a cap for the container apertured for the ingressof air.

3- An inhaler comprising a containerhaving a cylindrical barrel portion open at one end, and adapted to receive a series of volatile tablets of a diameter slightly less than the internal, diameter of said barrel portion,

a retaining cap engageable With said open arranged Within the tubular portion, and a end and provided with a small air inlet, and resilient cap for retaining said tablets apera suction nozzle at the opposite end of said tured for the ingress of air and adapted to 1 barrel joined thereto by a restricted portion be retained in position by said beaded end. 5 forming a retainer for said tablets. .In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

4:. An inhaler comprising a glass tube have .7 r ing an open beaded end, a series of tablets THOMAS B. ALDRICH. 

